Question

Which of the following examples would most accurately measure the dispersion of a population being studied?

A) Measuring the average distance between individuals and their nearest neighbor, and then analyzing the variation and comparing those measurements at larger scales.
B) Counting the number of zebras from airplane census observations.
C) Measuring the distance between several burrows within a large prairie dog colony in a grassland.
D) Counting the number of times a one-kilometer transect is intersected by tracks of red squirrels after a snowfall.

Answer 1

Measuring the average distance between individuals and their nearest neighbor is the best method for determining the distribution pattern of a population of zebras, as it provides explicit data on how the population is dispersed in the environment.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the distribution pattern of a population of zebras, the best technique would be measuring the average distance between individuals and their nearest neighbor, and then analyzing the variation and comparing those measurements at larger scales. This technique, also known as nearest neighbor analysis, helps in understanding the species distribution and whether the zebras are clumped, evenly dispersed, or randomly distributed within their habitat. It directly measures how individuals in a population are spread across an environment, which is crucial for understanding population density, dispersion, and potential interactions within the population.